3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu was keen to highlight the contribution of goalkeeper Kelle Roos in Derby County’s 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday evening.
The shot-stopper made some vitals saves to keep Derby in the match before Graeme Shinnie bagged the only goal deep into added time at Pride Park Stadium.
Roos has kept two clean sheets in his last three outings, with both coming on home turf against Luton Town and Wigan, to help the Rams climb the table after a slow start to the season.
The 27-year-old has been an ever-present between the posts in the Sky Bet Championship for Derby this season and Cocu felt the goalkeeper played an instrumental role in the win over the Latics.
He told RamsTV: “Kelle did very well and I liked his presence with corners and high balls.
“He was a little more coming out of his goal, convincing punching and that gives confidence to the defence as well.
“We know he is good in one-on-one situations and has a very good reaction; he kept us in the game. We can be happy with his performance.
“He has been important in a few games for us, for example saving a penalty against Birmingham a few weeks ago.”
Another player that earned praise from Cocu following the hard-fought success against Wigan was skipper Curtis Davies.
The centre-back sustained a heavy blow to the face in the first-half of the game and suffered a suspected broken nose as a result.
Despite that, he completed the full 90 minutes and produced a typically commanding display at the heart of the defence.
Reacting to his performance, Cocu said: “Curtis is a great example for the team, for everybody.
“I’m sure he was in quite some pain, he struggled in the end, but he showed great character and it was an important performance for the team and also for the win.”
